A New Aviation Business Group Is Formed As Maine Aviation Businesses Look To The Future

The State of Maine sees itself positioned well for continued growth of aviation businesses within its state. This has led to the formation of a Maine based organization called the Maine Aviation Business Association (MABA).

As reported by Mainbiz online, the nonprofit group, which operates out of the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority office at Brunswick Landing, has its goal set to make Maine the location of choice for aviation businesses looking to start up or expand.

It’s reported that MABA president, Barry Valentine said, “I've worked in aviation all my life, I'm nuts about airplanes and a lot of that activity took place here in Maine. Valentine has worked for the FAA and did a stint as the director of the Portland International Jetport. In his position as the vice president for international affairs for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association he became very familiar with the operation of aviation organizations. He was also the director of aeronautics for the Maine Department of Transportation

Aside from having airports with few close neighbors and unencumbered air space (which makes Maine ideal for flight testing and pilot training), Valentine says Mainers might not realize the reputation they have outside of the state of being hard-working and creative problem-solvers. He added, “I know how you Mainers are; You show up on time, you work hard … and you wear flannel shirts. In other parts of the country, that's how we're known. Maine is a great place to be, too. We've got a great work force. We've got great assets. The cost of locating in Maine is less.”

FMI: www.maine.gov/portal/business/econ_dev.html